Method and apparatus for removing and disposing of body fluids

ABSTRACT

A method of removing body fluids from a patient and disposing of the body fluids, the method comprising the steps of (a) providing a container including a bottom wall having therein a drain, (b) providing a drainage device for automatically opening the drain and draining the contents of the container, (c) collecting body fluids in the container, (d) placing the container on the drainage device, and (e) operating the drainage device so that the drainage device opens the drain and drains the contents of the container.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Ser. No. 08/877,771 filed Jun.17, 1997 now U.S. Pat. No. 5,871,476, which is a divisional of U.S. Ser.No. 08/582,358 filed Jan. 5, 1996 now U.S. Pat. No. 5,688,255, which isa continuation-in-part of U.S. Ser. No. 08/547,759 filed Oct. 24, 1995U.S. Pat. No. 5,683,371, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Ser.No. 08/365,695 filed Dec. 29, 1994 now U.S. Pat. No. 5,620,428.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to medical methods and apparatus for removing bodyfluids from patients and relates to disposing of the body fluids.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Suction canisters are used in hospital environments and particularlyduring various surgical procedures to store drained bodily fluid from apatient. In general, suction canisters are used in conjunction with avacuum source which enables bodily fluid to be drained from the patientand stored in the canister. Each canister generally includes areceptacle for holding the bodily fluid, a lid with a vacuum port and apatient port, a suction conduit connecting the vacuum port to a vacuumsource, and a patient conduit for conveying the bodily fluid from thepatient into the receptacle through the patient port. When the suctionconduit is connected to the vacuum source, a negative pressure gradientis created in the interior of the receptacle so that the bodily fluid isdrawn from the patient and into the suction canister via the patientconduit.

Other types of containers, such as urine collectors and chest drainagedevices, can also be used to collect body fluids.

It has become important in environments such as hospitals to eliminatethe handling of and thus reduce employee exposure to bodily fluids.Currently, hospitals dispose of such bodily fluid in various ways.Bodily fluid can be poured from the suction canister down the hospitalsink and into the sewer system, can be incinerated as a liquid or solid,or can be disposed of at an approved hazardous waste site. If hospitalemployees have to handle the bodily fluid, spattering of the bodilyfluid can result in hospital employees contacting the hazardous fluid.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention provides improved methods and apparatus for removing bodyfluids from patients and relates to disposing of the body fluids.

More particularly, the invention provides a suction canister including acontainer having a chamber for collecting fluids, a patient port, and avacuum port. The patient and vacuum ports communicate with the chamber.When a vacuum is created in the chamber via the vacuum port, fluid isthereby drawn into the container via the patient port. The chamber ispartially defined by a wall, preferably the bottom wall, including aprotrusion extending into the chamber. The protrusion defines apassageway having an open outer end and a closed inner end. Theprotrusion includes a thin portion such that the protrusion can bebroken to provide communication between the passageway and the chamberfor draining fluid contained in the suction canister. Preferably, thepassageway has an axis, the wall is molded with mold parts movablerelative to each other in a direction parallel to the axis, and the thinportion has a reduced thickness in a direction parallel to the axis.This makes it easier to control the thickness of the thin portion duringmolding, because it is easier to control the relative positions of themold parts in the direction of parting than in other directions. Theinvention preferably also provides a drainage device for breaking thethin portion of the protrusion and draining the canister.

The invention also provides a method of removing body fluids from apatient and disposing of the body fluids. The method includes the stepsof providing a molded suction canister including a molded-in drain,providing a drainage device for automatically opening the molded-indrain and draining the contents of the suction canister, collecting bodyfluids in the suction canister, connecting the suction canister to thedrainage device, and operating the drainage device so that the drainagedevice opens the drain and drains the contents of the suction canister.

The invention also provides another method of removing body fluids froma patient and disposing of the body fluids, the method comprising thesteps of providing a container including a bottom wall having therein adrain, providing a drainage device for automatically opening the drainand draining the contents of the container, collecting body fluids inthe container, placing the container on the drainage device, andoperating the drainage device so that the drainage device opens thedrain and drains the contents of the container. The drain can either beintegrally molded with the container or provided by a plug closing anopening in the container.

The invention provides a suction canister or container that is easilydrained of potentially hazardous fluid without contact with the fluid.The suction canister when used in conjunction with the drainage deviceallows a convenient means of disposing of the fluid content.

Other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent tothose of ordinary skill in the art upon review of the followingdescription, claims and drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is perspective view of an apparatus embodying the invention;

FIG. 2 is a partial sectional view of the suction canister and thedrainage device;

FIG. 3 is a view similar to FIG. 2 with the suction canister connectedto the drainage device;

FIG. 4 is a view taken along line 4—4 of FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a view similar to FIG. 3 with the tool of the drainage devicebreaking the protrusion of the suction canister;

FIG. 6 is a view similar to FIG. 2 showing an alternative constructionand mold parts;

FIG. 7 is view taken along line 7—7 in FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is a partial sectional view of the drain of a container that is asecond alternative embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 9 is a view similar to FIG. 8 showing the drain being opened;

FIG. 10 is a partial sectional view of the drain of a container that isa third alternative embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 11 is a view similar to FIG. 10 showing the drain being opened;

FIG. 12 is a partial sectional view of the drain of a container that isa fourth alternative embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 13 is a view similar to FIG. 12 showing the drain being opened;

FIG. 14 is a partial sectional view of the drain of a container that isa fifth alternative embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 15 is a view taken along line 15—15 in FIG. 14;

FIG. 16 is a view similar to FIG. 14 showing the drain being opened;

FIG. 17 is a partial sectional view of the drain of a container that isa sixth alternative embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 18 is a view similar to FIG. 17 showing the drain being opened;

FIG. 19 is a perspective view of a drain pipe that is the seventhembodiment of the invention;

FIG. 20 is a front view of the drain pipe;

FIG. 21 is a side view of the drain pipe;

FIG. 22 is a partial sectional view of the drain pipe and the suctioncanister in a first or ready position; and

FIG. 23 is a partial section view of the drain pipe and the suctioncanister in a second or draining position.

Before one embodiment of the invention is explained in detail, it is tobe understood that the invention is not limited in its application tothe details of construction and the arrangement of components set forthin the following description or illustrated in the drawings. Theinvention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced orbeing carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that thephraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose ofdescription and should not be regarded as limiting.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Referring now to the drawings in which like reference numerals refer tolike parts throughout the views, there is shown in FIGS. 1 through 5 anapparatus 5 embodying the invention. The apparatus comprises a suctioncanister 10. The suction canister includes a container 14 which definesa chamber 18 for collecting drained fluid. The container 14 ispreferably plastic (such as clear polystyrene) and is injection molded.The container 18 has an open upper end 22 and a closed lower end 26. Thecontainer 18 is defined by an annular side wall 30 and by a bottom wall34. The bottom wall 34 includes a molded-in drain formed by a protrusion38 extending into the chamber 18. By “molded-in” it is meant that thecontainer 14 and the drain are formed in a single injection moldingprocess.

As best shown in FIG. 2, the protrusion 38 defines a passageway 42 thattapers upwardly and has an open lower or outer end 46 and a blind orclosed upper or inner end 50. More particularly, the protrusion 38includes a first wall portion 54. The first wall portion 54 defines theouter end 46 of the passageway 42. As shown in FIG. 2, the first wallportion 54 is not uniform in height throughout its entire circumferencedue to a curvature of the bottom wall 34. However, it should be notedthat the first wall portion 54 can be uniform in height throughout itscircumference. Further, the height of the first wall portion 54 ispreferably minimized to minimize the volume of fluid that remains in thesuction canister 10 after it has been drained.

The protrusion 38 also includes a second wall portion 58 that definesthe closed inner end 50 of the passageway 42. The second wall portion 58defines an outwardly or downwardly opening, non-circular socket 62 atthe inner end 50 of the passageway 42 as best shown in FIGS. 2 and 4.The socket is preferably hexagonal.

Referring now to FIG. 2, a thin or frangible wall portion 66 integrallyconnects the first wall portion 54 and the second wall portion 58. Aswill be explained in more detail hereafter, the frangible wall portion66 can be broken to provide communication between the passageway 42 andthe chamber 18 to enable draining of the fluid from the suction canister10. The frangible wall portion 66 is small in size (preferably about0.010 inch thick) to provide for ease of breakage when draining isdesired yet is also strong enough to withstand the tensile andcircumferential stresses when a vacuum is created in the chamber 18 whenthe suction canister 10 is being filled with fluid. Further, due to theplacement and configuration of the frangible wall portion 66 and thesocket 62, inadvertent breaking of the protrusion 38 is minimized.

As shown in FIG. 1, the suction canister 10 also includes a lid 70 whichcloses the upper end 22 of the container 14. The lid 70 has therein apatient port 74 which communicates with the chamber 18. Extendingupwardly from the patient port is a patient port wall 78. To enablecommunication between the fluid to be drained and the patient port 74, apatient conduit 82 is affixed to the patient port wall 78 by forcing oneend 86 of the patient conduit 82 over the patient port wall 78. Theother end 90 of the patient conduit 82 communicates with the fluid to bedrained such as in a patient cavity 94. When the patient conduit 82 isnot attached to the patient port wall 78, a cap (not shown) can beplaced over the patient port wall 78 to prevent any fluid from leakingfrom the suction canister 10.

The lid 70 of the suction canister 10 also includes a vacuum port 98which communicates with the chamber 18 via a filter (not shown). Thefilter can be, for example, a hydrophobic filter. Extending upwardlyfrom the vacuum port 98 is a vacuum port wall 102. To enable a vacuum tobe created in the chamber 18 of the suction canister 10, the vacuum port98 communicates with a vacuum source 106 via a suction conduit 110. Thesuction conduit 110 is affixed to the vacuum port wall 102 by forcingone end 114 of the suction conduit 110 over the vacuum port wall 102.The other end 118 of the suction conduit 110 is placed in communicationwith the vacuum source 106. The filter prevents contamination of thevacuum source 106. When the suction conduit 110 is not attached to thevacuum port wall 102, a cap (not shown) can be placed over the vacuumport wall 102 to prevent any fluid from leaking from the suctioncanister 10.

The suction canister 10 is used in the collection of fluids as follows.One end 114 of the suction conduit 110 is affixed to the vacuum portwall 102 as previously described and the other end 118 is placed incommunication with the vacuum source 106. One end 86 of the patientconduit 82 is affixed to the patient port wall 78 as previouslydescribed and the other end 90 is placed in communication with the fluidto be drained such as in the patient cavity 94. When the vacuum source106 is on, a vacuum is created in the chamber 18 of the container 14such that fluid is drawn from the patient cavity 94, through the patientconduit 82 and into the container 14 via the patient port 74.

When the container 14 is filled with fluid or fluid no longer needs tobe collected, the patient conduit 82 and the suction conduit 110 can bedetached from the lid 70 of the suction canister 10. The caps can thenbe placed on the patient port wall 78 and the vacuum port wall 114 aspreviously described to prevent fluid from leaking from the container14. The suction canister 10 can then be stored until the suctioncanister is to be drained of its fluid contents.

The apparatus 5 also comprises a drainage device 122 with an upwardlytapered drain conduit 126 and a movable tool 130 as shown in FIG. 1.Preferably, the drainage device 122 uses water pressure and a venturi tocreate a vacuum that suctions the fluid from the container 14 anddelivers this fluid directly to the sanitary sewer line. The drainagedevice 122 can include a device such as the Deknatel EDUCTOR™manufactured by Deknatel, Inc. of Fall River, Mass. A suitable drainagedevice is also disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,217,038, which isincorporated herein by reference.

To enable the fluid in the container 14 to be drained, the drainagedevice 122 breaks the protrusion 38 as follows. When a suction canister10 needs to be drained, the suction canister 10 is placed onto thedrainage device 122 so that the drain conduit 126 of the drainage device122 is inserted into the passageway 42 of the suction canister 10 asshown in FIG. 3. The drain conduit 126 has a configuration that iscomplementary to the passageway 42. A friction fit between the drainconduit 126 and the first wall portion 54 of the suction canister 10provides a fluid seal. When the drain conduit 126 is fully wedged intothe passageway 42 and the seal formed, the tool 130 is extended upwardlyfrom the drainage device 122 and into the socket 62 of the passageway 42as shown in FIG. 3. The tool 130 has a configuration that iscomplementary to that of the socket 62. Referring now to FIG. 5, furtherupward movement of the tool 130 (as depicted by arrow A) in conjunctionwith rotational movement of the tool 130 (as depicted by arrow B) breaksthe frangible wall portion 66 of the protrusion 38, therebydisconnecting the second wall portion 58 from the first wall portion 54.The breakage of the protrusion 38 allows the fluid within the container14 to exit the chamber 18 and enter the drainage device 122 via thedrain conduit 126. As shown by the small arrows in FIG. 5, the fluidflows through the conduit 126 around the tool 130. The seal between thedrain conduit 126 and the first wall portion 54 of the protrusion 38prevents fluid from flowing anywhere but through the passageway 42 andinto the drainage device 122.

During drainage of the fluid from the suction canister 10, the caps onthe patient port wall 78 and/or the vacuum port wall 102 can be removedto vent the chamber 18 to aid in drainage of the fluid. Alternatively, avent could be provided in the drainage device 122 to aid in drainage ofthe fluid from the suction canister 10.

An apparatus 200 which is a first alternative embodiment of theinvention is illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 7. Except as described below,the apparatus 200 is identical to the apparatus 5, and common elementshave been given the same reference numerals.

The apparatus 200 comprises a suction canister 210 including a container214. The container 214 is preferably made of clear polystyrene. Thepassageway 42 has an axis 226, and the container 214 is preferablyinjection molded using mold parts 218 and 222 which are movable relativeto each other or part in the direction of the axis 226. In other words,the mold parts 218 and 222 part vertically as shown in FIG. 6. This isidentical to the manner in which the container 14 shown in FIGS. 1-5 ispreferably molded.

It has been found that it can be difficult to control the thickness ofthe thin wall portion 66 of the container 14 because it can be difficultto precisely maintain the relative horizontal positions of the moldparts during molding. Any sideways or horizontal movement of one moldpart relative to the other can have a significant effect on thethickness of the thin wall portion 66, because the wall portion 66 has areduced thickness in the horizontal direction. On the other hand, it isrelatively easy to maintain the relative vertical positions of the moldparts, i.e., the spacing of the mold parts in the direction of parting.

For this reason, the container 214 has a thin wall portion 266 with areduced thickness in the direction of parting of the mold parts 218 and222, i.e., in the vertical direction in FIG. 6. Viewed another way, thethin wall portion 266 has a reduced thickness in a direction parallel tothe axis 226. The thickness of the wall portion 266 is preferably 0.010inch, and can be relatively easily controlled. The wall portion 266 alsohas a radial or horizontal dimension that is substantially greater thanthe reduced thickness. This radial dimension is preferably approximately0.060 inch. Variation of this dimension during molding is not critical.The thin wall portion 266 is easily broken when draining is desired yetis also strong enough to withstand the stress of a vacuum in the chamber18. In fact, it has been found that the thin wall portion 266 can bebroken simply by pushing upwardly on the second wall portion 58. It isnot necessary to twist the wall portion 58 in order to break the wallportion 266.

The container 214 also differs from the container 14 in that the socket62 is star-shaped rather than hexagonal. Obviously, any non-circularshape can be employed.

It should be noted that the bottom wall of the container could beconical or sloped toward the drain for improved drainage.

An apparatus 300 which is a second alternative embodiment of theinvention is illustrated in FIGS. 8 and 9. Except as described below,the apparatus 300 is identical to the apparatus 5, and common elementshave been given the same reference numerals.

The apparatus 300 comprises a container 305 with a bottom wall 309having therein an opening 313 closed by a plug 317 inserted in theopening 313. The plug 317 is preferably made of an elastomer orthermoplastic and snaps into the opening. The plug has therein a blindcentral passageway 321 with a closed upper end 325. AS shown in FIG. 9,the drainage device 122 includes a pointed conduit or hollow needle 329that pierces the upper end 325 of the passageway 321 so that fluid flowsout of the container 305 through the needle or conduit 329.

An apparatus 400 which is a third alternative embodiment of theinvention is illustrated in FIGS. 10 and 11. Except as described below,the apparatus 400 is identical to the apparatus 5, and common elementshave been given the same reference numerals.

The apparatus 400 comprises a container 405 with a bottom wall 409having therein an opening 413 closed by a plug 417 inserted in theopening 413. The plug 417 is preferably made of an elastomer orthermoplastic and snaps into the opening. As shown in FIG. 11, thedrainage device 122 includes a conduit 429 with a closed upper end andside openings 433. The conduit 429 pushes the plug up into the container405 so that fluid flows out of the container 405 through the openings433 and into the conduit 429.

An apparatus 500 which is a fourth alternative embodiment of theinvention is illustrated in FIGS. 12 and 13. Except as described below,the apparatus 500 is identical to the apparatus 5, and common elementshave been given the same reference numerals.

The apparatus 500 comprises a container 505 with a bottom wall 509having therein an opening 513 closed by a plug 517 inserted in theopening 513. The plug 517 is preferably made of a thermoplastic andsnaps into the opening. The plug has therein a blind central passageway521 with a closed lower end 525. As shown in FIG. 13, the drainagedevice 122 includes a pointed conduit or hollow needle 529 that piercesthe lower end 525 of the passageway 521 so that fluid flows out of thecontainer 505 through the needle or conduit 529.

An apparatus 600 which is a fifth alternative embodiment of theinvention is illustrated in FIGS. 14-16. Except as described below, theapparatus 600 is identical to the apparatus 5, and common elements havebeen given the same reference numerals.

The apparatus 600 comprises a container 605 with a bottom wall 609having therein an internally threaded opening 613 closed by a plug 617.The plug 617 is preferably made of a thermoplastic and threads into theopening 613. As shown in FIG. 15, the plug has a hexagonal head 621. Asshown in FIG. 16, the drainage device 122 includes a tool 629 with asocket 633 that engages the plug head 621 and unthreads the plug 617from the opening 613 so that fluid flows out of the container 605through the opening 613.

An apparatus 700 which is a sixth alternative embodiment of theinvention is illustrated in FIGS. 17 and 18. Except as described below,the apparatus 700 is identical to the apparatus 5, and common elementshave been given the same reference numerals.

The apparatus 700 comprises a container 705 with a bottom wall 709having therein an opening 713 closed by a plug 717. The plug 717 ispreferably made of a thermoplastic and is glued, ultrasonically weldedor otherwise secured over the opening. The plug 717 has a constructionsimilar to the bottom wall of the container 214 shown in FIGS. 6 and 7.Thus, the plug 717 has a first wall portion 54, a second wall portion 58and a frangible wall portion 266 like those of the suction canister 210.As shown in FIG. 18, the drainage device 122 includes a conduit 729 witha closed upper end and side openings 733. The conduit 729 breaks thethin wall portion 721 and extends into the container 705 so that fluidflows out of the container 705 through the openings 733 and into theconduit 729.

An apparatus which is a seventh alternative embodiment of the inventionis illustrated in FIGS. 19-23. Except as described below, the apparatusis identical to the apparatus 5, and common elements have been given thesame reference numerals.

The apparatus comprises a drain pipe 802 as particularly shown in FIGS.19-21. The drain pipe 802 includes a cylindrical wall 804 which definesa central passageway 806. The wall 804 terminates in an end surface 808such that the passageway 806 is accessible from the end surface 808. Thedrain pipe 802 has therein three generally U-shaped recesses 810, 812and 814 in the wall 804 and adjacent the end surface 808. A firstportion 816 of the wall 804 is located between the recess 810 and therecess 812. A second portion 818 of the wall 804 is located between therecess 812 and the recess 814. A third portion 820 of the wall 804 islocated between the recess 814 and the recess 810. Preferably, the firstportion 816 includes more of the circumference of the end surface 808 ofthe wall 804 than do the second or third portions 818 and 820,respectively.

The first portion 816 of the wall 804 does not terminate in a commonplane with the second or third portions 818 and 820, respectively.Instead, the first portion 816 terminates in a first plane 822 and thesecond and third portions 818 and 820, respectively terminate in asecond plane 824.

In operation, the drain pipe 802 interacts with the suction canister 10as follows. Referring to FIG. 22, the suction canister 10 is positionedon the drainage device 122 such that a drain 826 is positioned adjacentthe drain pipe 802. The drain 826 includes a cylindrical wall 828 thatdefines a drain port 829 that is preferably generally circular, however,other configurations of the port 829 could also be used. A cap or cover830 over the drain port 829. Preferably, the cap 830 is formed such thatthe material is thinner around the periphery 831 of the cap 830 than theremainder of the cap 830 or the wall 828.

Preferably, the wall 828 and the cap 830 are integral with the suctioncanister 10 so as to define a molded-in drain. However, it should benoted that the invention is not limited to the use of a molded-in drain.Further, preferably the drain port 829 is located at the bottom of thesuction canister 10, however, other locations of the drain port 829could also be used.

In a first or ready position shown in FIG. 22, the drain pipe 802 isspaced from the cap 830 and the cap 830 covers or blocks the drain port829 to prevent fluid from exiting the suction canister 10 via the drainport 829.

To open the drain 826 so as to allow the fluid held in the suctioncanister 10 to drain out of the suction canister 10, the drainage device122 dislodges or moves the cap 830 so that fluid can flow out of thesuction canister 10 via the drain port 829. In the preferred embodiment,the drainage device 122 utilizes the drain pipe 802 to dislodge the cap830. Specifically, the drainage device 122 moves the pipe drain 802 intocontact with the cap 830. In the preferred embodiment, the drainagedevice 122 moves the drain pipe 802 upwardly to contact the cap 830 onthe bottom of the suction canister 10. It should be noted that thesuction canister 10 could also be moved into contact with the drain pipe802.

As the drain pipe 802 moves upwardly, the first portion 816 is the firstpart of the drain pipe 802 to contact the cap 830. Further upwardmovement of the drain pipe 802 begins to break or sever the connectionbetween the wall 828 and the cap 830 at a location adjacent the firstportion 816 of the pipe drain 802. Continued upward movement of the pipedrain 802 continues to break the connection between the wall 828 and thecap 830 around almost, but not all of, the periphery of the cap 830.

Because the second and third portions 818 and 820, respectively, of thedrain pipe 802 terminate in the plane 824 that is spaced from the plane822 in which the first portion 816 terminates, the connection betweenthe cap 830 and the wall 828 around the periphery of the cap 830 is notcompletely severed. Instead, and with reference to FIG. 23, a hinge 832remains intact so that the cap 830 does not completely release from thesuction canister 10. As the drain pipe 802 ceases its upward movement,the second and third portions 818 and 820, respectively, of the drainpipe 802 cause the cap 830 to pivot about the hinge 832 to a generallyvertical position, termed the second or draining position. The drainpipe 802 holds or fixes the cap 830 in this second position and does notallow the cap 830 to move within the interior of the suction canister10.

With the cap 830 in its second position as in shown in FIG. 23, thefluid held in the suction canister 10 can drain through the passageway806 in the drain pipe 802 then through the drainage device 122 to thesewer. An advantage of a cap that does not completely sever from thesuction canister 10 is that the cap can be positioned and maintained inthat position so as not to block the drainage of the fluid through thedrain pipe 802. If the cap 830 completely severed from the suctioncanister 10, the combination of the fluid flow and suction can lodge thecap 830 over the drain pipe 802 and block or partially block fluid flowthrough the passageway 806. However, it should be noted that if desired,the drain pipe 802 could completely sever the cap 830 from the suctioncanister 10 by further upward movement of the drain pipe 802.

It should also be noted that, if desired and depending upon the plasticused to fabricate the suction canister 10, the portion of the connectionbetween the wall 828 and the cap 830 that will act as the hinge 832 canbe injection molded with more plastic such that the hinge 832 is thickerthan the rest of the periphery of the connection between the wall 828and the cap 830. A thicker plastic in the hinge 832 can reinforce thehinge 832 and further prevent the cap 830 from completely dislodgingfrom the suction canister 10.

While several drain arrangements and drain opening devices have beendisclosed, it should be understood that other types of drains and otherdevices for opening drains are within the scope of the invention.

Various features of the invention are set forth in the following claims,wherein the term “container” includes suction canisters, urinecollectors, chest drainage devices and other types of containers forcollecting body fluids.

We claim:
 1. A medical apparatus comprising: a suction canister forcontaining fluid suctioned from a patient, said suction canisterincluding a drain portion; and a drainage device including a toolactuable to dislodge said drain portion such that said drain portionremains connected to said suction canister and allows contained fluid toflow out of said suction canister.
 2. The medical apparatus of claim 1wherein said suction canister has a bottom wall, and wherein said drainportion is located in said bottom wall.
 3. The medical apparatus ofclaim 1 wherein said tool includes a passageway and fluid flows out ofsaid suction canister through said passageway.
 4. The medical apparatusof claim 1 wherein said tool dislodges said drain portion such that saiddrain portion remains hingeably connected to said suction canister. 5.The medical apparatus of claim 4 wherein said suction canister has aninterior, and wherein said drain portion remains hingeably connected tosaid suction canister in said interior of said suction canister.
 6. Themedical apparatus of claim 1 wherein said tool is actuable to dislodgesaid drain portion to a position that is generally perpendicular to theposition of said drain device before it was dislodged.
 7. The medicalapparatus of claim 1 wherein said tool is actuable to dislodge and holdsaid drain portion in a fixed position.
 8. The medical apparatus ofclaim 1 wherein said tool includes a wall having a first portion thatterminates in a first plane and having a second portion that terminatesin a second plane.
 9. The medical apparatus of claim 1 wherein said toolterminates in an end surface, and wherein said end surface includes atleast two portions that do not terminate in the same plane.
 10. Amedical apparatus comprising: a suction canister for containing fluidsuctioned from a patient, said suction canister including a drainageport and a cap covering said drainage port when said cap is in a firstposition; and a drainage device including a tool actuable to move saidcap from said first position to a second position that is fixed relativeto said tool and to allow contained fluid to flow out of said portwithout interference from said cap.
 11. The medical apparatus of claim10 wherein said cap in its first position is integral with said suctioncanister.
 12. The medical apparatus of claim 10 wherein said tool isactuable to move said cap such that in said second position, said capremains in contact with said suction canister.
 13. The medical apparatusof claim 10 wherein said tool is actuable to pivotally move said capabout a hinge such that in said second position, said cap is hingeablyconnected to said suction canister.
 14. The medical apparatus of claim10 wherein said tool is actuable to pivotally move said cap from saidfirst position to said second position.
 15. The medical apparatus ofclaim 14 wherein said cap pivots from a generally horizontal position toa generally vertical position.
 16. The medical apparatus of claim 10wherein said suction canister has a bottom wall, and wherein saiddrainage port is located in said bottom wall.
 17. The medical apparatusof claim 10 wherein said tool terminates in an end surface, and whereinsaid end surface includes at least two portions that terminate indiffering planes.
 18. The medical apparatus of claim 10 wherein saidtool includes a passageway and fluid flows out of said port through saidpassageway.
 19. The medical apparatus of claim 10 wherein said toolmoves upwardly to move said cap from said first position to said secondposition.
 20. A medical apparatus comprising: a suction canister forcontaining fluid suctioned from a patient, said suction canisterincluding a drain port and a cap covering said port; and a drainagedevice including a tool actuable to partially sever said cap from saidsuction canister such that contained fluid is able to flow out of saidsuction canister through said port.
 21. The medical apparatus of claim20 wherein said tool includes a passageway, and wherein the containedfluid flows out of said suction canister through said passageway. 22.The medical apparatus of claim 20 wherein said cap is integral with saidsuction canister.
 23. The medical apparatus of claim 20 wherein saidsuction canister has an interior, and wherein when said cap is partiallysevered, said cap is moved into said interior of said suction canister.24. The medical apparatus of claim 23 wherein said cap is moved from agenerally horizontal position to a generally vertical position.
 25. Themedical apparatus of claim 20 wherein said tool holds said severed capin a fixed position relative to said suction canister.
 26. The medicalapparatus of claim 20 wherein said tool includes a wall that contactssaid cap, said wall having a first portion that terminates in a firstplane and having a second portion that terminates in a second plane. 27.The medical apparatus of claim 20 wherein said tool terminates in an endsurface, and wherein said end surface includes at least two portionsthat terminate in spaced apart planes.
 28. The medical apparatus ofclaim 20 wherein said tool is actuated upwardly.
 29. The medicalapparatus of claim 20 wherein said suction canister has a bottom, andwherein said port is located in said bottom.
 30. A medical apparatuscomprising: a suction canister for containing fluid suctioned from apatient, said suction canister including a drainage port and a capcovering said drainage port when said cap is in a first position; and adrainage device including a tool actuable to move said cap from saidfirst position to a second position to allow contained fluid to flow outof said port.
 31. The medical apparatus of claim 30 wherein said suctioncanister has a bottom, and wherein said port is in said bottom.
 32. Themedical apparatus of claim 30 wherein said tool includes a fluidpassageway, and wherein when said cap is in said second position, thecontained fluid flows out of said port through said passageway.
 33. Themedical apparatus of claim 30 wherein said tool is actuated upwardly tomove said cap from said first position to said second position.
 34. Themedical apparatus of claim 30 wherein said suction canister has aninterior, and wherein when said cap is in said second position, said capis located in said interior.
 35. The medical apparatus of claim 30wherein said cap is integral with said suction canister.
 36. A medicalapparatus comprising: a suction canister including a chamber forcontaining fluid suctioned from a patient, said canister including adrain port and a cover positioned to prevent communication between saidchamber and said drain port; and a drainage device including a toolactuable to move said cover to provide communication between saidchamber and said drain port to thereby drain contained fluid from saidsuction canister.
 37. The medical apparatus of claim 36 wherein saidsuction canister includes a bottom wall, and wherein said drain port isin said bottom wall.
 38. The medical apparatus of claim 36 wherein saidtool includes a fluid passageway, and wherein the contained fluid flowsout of said port through said passageway.
 39. The medical apparatus ofclaim 36 wherein said tool is actuated upwardly to move said cover. 40.The medical apparatus of claim 36 wherein said cover is moved into saidchamber.
 41. The medical apparatus of claim 36 wherein said cover isintegral with said suction canister.
 42. A medical suction systemcomprising: a suction canister including a bottom wall having agenerally horizontal portion and including a second wall extendingupwardly from said bottom wall, said bottom wall and said second walldefining a single interior cavity for holding bodily fluids, saidportion of said bottom wall having therein a selectively openable drain;and a drainage device having a suction canister support area on whichsaid canister is positionable, said canister being supported on saidsupport area by said bottom wall, and including a tool adapted to opensaid drain so as to allow bodily fluids to exit from said cavity throughsaid drain and into said device.
 43. The medical suction system of claim42 wherein said drain is a molded-in drain.
 44. The medical suctionsystem of claim 42 wherein said tool directly engages said drain. 45.The medical suction system of claim 42 wherein said suction canisterincludes an open upper end, and further including a lid closing saidupper end and having therein a patient port and a suction port.
 46. Themedical suction system of claim 42 wherein said tool is insertable intosaid cavity through said drain.
 47. A medical suction system comprising:a suction canister including a bottom wall having a generally horizontalportion and a second wall extending upwardly from said bottom wall, saidbottom wall and said second wall defining a single interior cavity forholding bodily fluids, said portion of said bottom wall having therein adrain member having a first position wherein bodily fluids are held insaid cavity and having a second position wherein bodily fluids areallowed to exit said cavity; and a drainage device having a suctioncanister support area onto which said canister is positionable and atool insertable into said cavity to cause said drain member to be movedfrom said first position to said second position such that the bodilyfluids exit said canister into said device.
 48. The medical suctionsystem of claim 47 wherein said drain member is molded into said bottomwall.
 49. The medical suction system of claim 47 wherein said tool is aprobe.
 50. The medical suction system of claim 47 wherein said toolenters said cavity through said bottom wall.
 51. The medical suctionsystem of claim 47 wherein said tool directly engages said drain memberto move said drain member from said first position to said secondposition.
 52. The medical suction system of claim 47 wherein saidsuction canister includes an open upper end, and further including a lidclosing said upper end and having therein a patient port and a suctionport.
 53. A medical suction system comprising: a suction canisterincluding a bottom wall having a generally horizontal portion and asecond wall extending upwardly from said bottom wall, said bottom walland said second wall defining a single interior cavity for holdingbodily fluids, said portion of said bottom wall having therein a drain;and a drainage device having a suction canister support area on whichsaid canister is positionable and having a tool insertable into saidcavity to thereby open said drain causing bodily fluids to exit saidcanister into said device.
 54. The medical suction system of claim 53wherein said drain includes a molded-in drain.
 55. The medical suctionsystem of claim 53 wherein said tool enters said cavity through saidbottom wall.
 56. The medical suction system of claim 53 wherein saidtool directly engages said drain.
 57. The medical suction system ofclaim 53 wherein said suction canister includes an open upper end, andfurther including a lid closing said upper end and having therein apatient port and a suction port.
 58. A medical apparatus comprising: asuction canister for containing fluid suctioned from a patient; a drainin said suction canister; a drain portion covering said drain; and atool actuable to dislodge said drain portion such that said drainportion remains connected to said suction canister and allows containedfluid to flow out of said suction canister.
 59. The medical apparatus ofclaim 58 wherein said suction canister has a bottom wall, and whereinsaid drain and said drain portion are located in said bottom wall. 60.The medical apparatus of claim 58 wherein said tool includes apassageway and fluid flows out of said suction canister through saidpassageway.
 61. The medical apparatus of claim 58 wherein said tooldislodges said drain portion such that said drain portion remainshingeably connected to said suction canister.
 62. The medical apparatusof claim 61 wherein said suction canister has an interior, and whereinsaid drain portion remains hingeably connected to said suction canisterin said interior of said suction canister.
 63. The medical apparatus ofclaim 58 wherein said tool is actuable to dislodge said drain portion toa position that is generally perpendicular to the position of said draindevice before it was dislodged.
 64. The medical apparatus of claim 58wherein said tool is actuable to dislodge and hold said drain portion ina fixed position.
 65. The medical apparatus of claim 58 wherein saidtool includes a wall having a first portion that terminates in a firstplane and having a second portion that terminates in a second plane. 66.The medical apparatus of claim 50 wherein said tool terminates in an endsurface, and wherein said end surface includes at least two portionsthat do not terminate in the same plane.